Sanwo-Olu Plans Red Line Rail Extension to Ogun, Expands Lagos Multimodal Transport Vision

Lagos State is taking another major step toward solving its long-standing traffic challenges, as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has revealed plans to extend the Red Line rail beyond Lagos into neighboring Ogun State. The move is part of a broader strategy to build a fully integrated transportation system that connects rail, road, and waterways for smoother movement across the region.

Speaking from Lagos House in Marina, the governor explained that discussions are already underway to push the Red Line further out of Lagos. This expansion reflects the state’s long-term vision of easing congestion while strengthening regional connectivity, especially for commuters who travel daily between Lagos and Ogun.

At the heart of this plan is the newly upgraded Red Line rail system, which is set to receive 24 new coaches recently acquired from China. According to Sanwo-Olu, these additions will significantly improve the commuting experience by increasing capacity and efficiency. Unlike the Blue Line trains, which currently operate with four cars, the Red Line trains will run with eight coaches, allowing them to carry more passengers per trip.

The 27-kilometre Red Line, stretching from Oyingbo to Agbado, is expected to handle up to 37 trips daily and move more than 500,000 passengers once fully operational. For a city like Lagos, where traffic congestion has long been a daily struggle, this development could mark a turning point in urban mobility.

Beyond rail, the Lagos State Government is also investing heavily in water transportation. The Omi-Eko project, which is currently in progress, aims to introduce high-capacity electric boats by 2027. This initiative is expected to transform ferry services and offer residents a reliable alternative to road travel, further easing pressure on the city’s highways.

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the integration of different transport systems is key to building a more efficient and economically vibrant Lagos. By connecting rail lines with road networks and waterways, the state hopes to reduce travel time, improve productivity, and create new opportunities for growth.

As Lagos continues to expand, the success of this multimodal transport approach could redefine how millions of people move within the city and beyond, positioning it as a model for urban transportation across Africa.